#nobleburn

[madefate]

❛ if you’ve got a problem with the way i handle things, just say so. ❜ (nikolette for marianne) / @nobleburn

❝ O - oh, no, I - ❞

Truth be told, Marianne hadn't even entertained the possibility that Nikolette would notice her; she had been content to tend to Dorte, remaining as invisible as she could, even when the relative quiet of the stables was partially broken by the other's entrance. Marianne had only glanced up for a moment, driven by sheer instinct - and then she'd paused.

Perhaps it is simply a quieter and more foolish curse that she will always be at least a little mesmerized by the sight of someone tending to their horse.

Her fingers had stilled against Dorte's nose, the faintest smile at her lips, feeling a moment of peace amidst the maelstrom of life at the monastery - the maelstrom of every moment of her life poised on the precipice of disaster. Still, she's not surprised when Nikolette assumes the worst of her --- had she given off some terrible aura yet again ? Marianne presses herself against Dorte's side as she fumbles for the words - and then, when they fail her, her bag.

It takes a moment to extract an extra apple from its depths, and another to gather the courage and offer it out. ❝ I only thought, that I had ... extras ... if your horse would - like one ... please forgive my assumption. ❞

[lunawish]

within her arms contain a stack of tomes and textbooks the future emperor's decided to peruse. hubert have protested, insisted on carrying the ones in his lady's arms and yet, she protested and commanded him to scour for others. edelgard's professor assigned their house a peculiar assignment, one that requires her to utilize her tactical thinking abilities and only those abilities.

amethyst eyes flicker towards @nobleburn's direction. the silverhaired maiden offers a polite smile. edelgard is to become adrestia's heir, she must know the art of diplomacy, the talents of a cunning tongue well.

" i see you are also a diligent one, nikolette. "

[timelessharp]

"See?" Althea gestured wearily at the mealy pear in her other hand, a chunk missing from where she'd bitten and spat it out, small worms visible burrowed into the core. "The gods hate me."

jaheira shouldn't laugh -- she shouldn't, really, but the sound that leaves her is not one of concern but is the low rumble of a chuckle. around them, shadows swirl and the world crumbles into the wrath of something ancient and evil.

the pear is well past its date and she plucks it from althea's grasp with a flick of her wrist to look at it.

" nonsense, girl. it is not directed solely at you -- this land has been unkind to all, including the fruit trees. a shame. a good pear is hard to find on the sword coast. "

castlevania sentences.

[dcviated]

to greater heights :: open

send ↕ + your muse’s height for a comparison with mine

@nobleburn sent: ↕ 5'7 Lilli next to Eliza and Wylan, 5'8 Niko next to Eira and Eliza

"I'm ready to help!" The witchling is that and then some, glancing between the two girlbosses women with ready-to-be-manipulated vigor.

"I know better than to comment.. actually, if I let the ward down she could just read it off my mind. And comment on her own." For better or worse though, Lillibridge is normal height for a girl next to him.

"Don't you dare try and rub this in. Even if you are a bit taller than me, I have seniority on you, Nikolette." Eira will be huffing on this nonetheless. They say pride can add an inch or so to one's posture, but... well. The other had that on her too. Loathe as she'd be to admit.

[wxtchpilot]

The fact that Nikolette seemed to be contemplating about being friends with Miorine was a step in the right direction, one that both her and Miorine would consider as something good. After all, who wouldn't want more friends? If being at the 'top' was lonely, wouldn't that meant they'd want trustworthy friends? So far, Suletta hasn't seen anything meanspirited about Nikolette.

Honestly, her and Miorine communicated in the same ways when trying to help people, or her in particular. However, when she brought up that Miorine doesn't like her company, Suletta frowned. Was this the first time she'd heard Nikolette sound almost...sad?

"What? I-I'm sure Ms. Miorine doesn't feel that way!" Of course Miorine was rather quick to tell Suletta to stay away from anyone that were in the main houses and to not trust anyone, but if they got to know them better, they could see how nice they were deep down.

She managed to do it with Miorine herself, after all. And maybe on the verge of replicating it with Nikolette.

"Ms. Miorine may be closed off, but she's very nice and trustworthy once she opens up. M-Maybe you and her just need to talk some more? O-Or I could set up something for you!"

Though, like Nikolette said, would that be forcing herself into her personal space? Did Suletta ever do that with Miorine? She did allow her inside the greenhouse though...

"Eh? M-Me??" Being suddenly entrusted to ensure her safety also isn't what she expected to hear from Nikolette but there were no doubts about that.

"O-O-Of course! I would do that without hesitation! I will make sure to d-do my best! Besides..." She glanced to the side. "...I have to repay her for what she did for me to even make this company in the first place..."

And even before that. There were a lot of things Miorine did that showed her kindness, Suletta just needed time to make up for it.

That Miorine had few friends came as little surprise to Nikolette. It was lonely at the top, when one had more resources and privileges than most, for it meant that the intentions of others weren't always clear. A hand offered in friendship could just as easily intend to use the other as a rung upon the social ladder. Of course, it was a shame to always need such suspicions, but Nikolette understood why it was necessary. To surround oneself in opportunistic people was a rather poor place to be in. "It's only natural," she mused. "The more important one's position, the more selective that one's social circle must become and-"

Suletta's suggestion that Nikolette could be her friend caught the blonde girl off-guard, a surprised expression on her face mixing with a crimson blush blooming upon her cheeks. "Miorine and I?" Nikolette seemed embarrassed at the mere suggestion. "W-well..." She crossed her arms over her chest, shrugging her shoulders as if that would solve things. "It's true that Miorine and I have a number of things in common," she conceded. "We're both bright, ambitious, talented, beautiful young women set to inherit companies from our fathers."

Such similarities were enough to either give Nikolette a friendship, or some sort of business rival, but it was a fool's errand to place Miorine in either such box. "But, regardless of that," she murmured, voice growing soft in comparison to her typically brash tone, "I don't think Miorine enjoys my company very much." That was... unpleasant, to admit, and Nikolette wasn't exactly sure either why Miorine seemed to dislike her, or why exactly it stung. Perhaps because Miorine was her social equal, one of the few people Nikolette had no interest in looking down upon, such that losing that opportunity for connection felt worse for its rarity?

"That being the case, I have no intention of forcing my presence upon her." If there had once been an opportunity for the two of them to be closer, it was Nikolette's opinion that the opportunity had passed, and things were better if they continued as they were. "And that's also why you, Suletta Mercury, need to ensure her safety and well-being!" Surely that was something that Nikolette could have done, if allowed, but as it wasn't, and as Miorine was so generally closed-off and independent, then it fell to the person she'd inexplicably allowed in to handle such things.

[maligns]

@nobleburn , for nikollette .

"ah, nikollette." ivy startles out of reverie, ripping her distant gaze from the wintery landscape. these days, she has too much on her mind: her father's missives & the heavy burden of his expectation -- the emblem rings, small shackles on her fingers. in consequent, sleep is elusive, slipping from her grasp even as the late night begins it's lazy transition into daybreak. she smiles wanly, "i apologise, i lost track of time. it must have been jarring to find me absent from my bedchambers. did father send you?"

[myjustice]

10, 23, 39!

10. What fact do they excitedly tell everyone about at every opportunity?

this is so funny, but the simple answer to this is that she used to be famous. & she's not shy about it either, she can go on & on about her struggles with popularity. i say used to be famous in past tense because right now she's not keen on keeping that popularity anymore even though its been shown again & again that she's still quite popular & people are expectant & anticipating her return.

23. What do they feel guilty for that the other person(s) doesn't/don't even remember?

hmm i can't say there's anything in particular that isn't remembered that she doesn't feel guilty about. she feels guilty about many things & she's comfortable expressing these feelings, but if i had to knit pick a bit & from my personal view lens: sitting on a high chair & not truly understanding her common people, but even that was beyond some of her control.

39. Would they rather be invited to an event to feel included or be excluded from an event if they were not genuinely wanted there?

she would rather be excluded. furina isn't very gullible so she would be able to catch these things even if it's assumed that she wouldn't. lonely she feels yes, but she would rather deal & find a way to cope with that loneliness than be in a space where she's clearly not wanted.

questionnaire / @nobleburn

[typhchosen]

X // @nobleburn

Byleth knew they were interrupting something, but couldn’t be bothered to care.  While not a direct student of theirs, they still felt inclined to return an item they so happened to find left in the reception hall. 

       “Nikolette?” They questioned, from behind, barely recognizing the glint of discomfort on the other student’s face she’d been talking to. (At least, Byleth assumed they were talking. They hadn’t bothered to stand and listen long enough to ascertain the point of their..  acquaintance .) Instead, once the Blue Lion’s student turned to face them, they held the arithmetic book aloft between them and quirked one eyebrow.

        “This was left on the table. I believe you were the last to take it from the library?”

[pathofemblems]

BLOODBORNE STARTERS // ✶ · ⊰ @nobleburn ⊱ · sent (for louis)... ❛ i have no time for your petty lies. ❜

❝ Have I offended somehow? ❞ Louis asked, aiming the end of his lance toward the ground. Realizing their exercise was done with that comment, he set his weapon aside, primarily to appear more apologetic and open. ❝ If so, then please accept my sincerest apologies, though I do feel the need to insist that I simply cannot bring myself to lie, no matter how trivial or ❛ petty ❜ it may seem. ❞ More often than not, time within the training grounds was spent with the likes of his prince or his fellow Firenese retainers. They knew how to round each other out, how to emphasize each other's strengths and weaknesses before the next skirmish, how to give and take guidance. Yet as the war continued, Louis' ❛ training circle ❜ expanded more and more, now granted the ability to study different countries fighting styles and techniques up close and personal. The Elusian retainer, albeit still new to him, was a welcome addition to his circle. If at all possible, Louis wanted to be on good standing with everyone in this makeshift army, guided by the Divine Dragon. Regardless of their dynamic, Nikolette was treated with the same respect and familiarity as all the rest… and that absolutely included giving advice when they trained. ❝ However, it has been brought to my attention by several of our fellow allies that I perhaps have a less than ideal delivery… ❞ Brows gently knit together in mild concern, rubbing at his chin while attention shifted to the ground as he thought back to some of the more combative complaints about his commentary and people-watching habits. It didn't seem wrong here though! All he'd done was comment on Nikolette's footwork, that it wasn't quite right; he was worried, after all, that she might get hurt in their next battle. He'd made sure to compliment her weaponry skills right after, and he'd meant it! ❝ If that be the case here, you have my word that I will adjust my tone accordingly, lest you decide it'd be best to simply converse as less as possible. ❞

[aeipathcy]

@nobleburn * ✭ ❪ liked for a starter┊☓ ❫

In hopes of avoiding another stressful encounter with a girl he shall not name in his head, Ryder had taken to leaving the training hall early in an effort to avoid her before she decided to use it. Knowing how she was, he was almost certain she’d be judging him any moment they stood in the same room. Thank the gods he wasn’t in the same class as her too. 

But as usual, his luck was terrible, and the girl in question had strolled into the library. Upon noticing her, he could only mentally curse at himself. She was someone who strived to be the best. Of course she’d end up coming here if she needed a reference book. And of course that reference book had to be on the shelf right next to his table.

❝ I didn’t expect to see her here at this hour, ❞ he muttered a bit loudly to himself, ❝ should I just leave? ❞ Eyes casting down to the number of books and worksheets spread out in front of him, he sighed. Even if he wanted to, she’d notice him before he managed to put everything away. So instead, he simply braced himself for her to turn and notice him, as there was no way she wouldn’t have with that sharp intuition of hers.

[madefate]

That a commoner had asked her for help was surprising, and that Nikolette was considering it even more so. Still, the so-called Mystical Songstress of the Mittelfrank Opera Company was a special case. "Well," Nikolette said after a moment of thought, before gesturing back at her room. "Why don't you stay here? For a short while, at least." (For Dorothea!) / @nobleburn

❝ Really, thanks so much Nikolette. You'd think at a monastery this size, there'd be somewhere quiet to find some respite. ❞ Dorothea smiles gently, eyes bright but unassuming -- it's almost like creating some sort of recipe or formula: two parts grateful, one part genuine, a dash of cunning pride. She would not have gotten where she is in life without learning how to start dissecting others with nothing more than a glance and a few words. Find what makes them tick, and then you take the power gently and decisively from their hands.

If it's a little disappointing to encounter the same necessary measures at Garreg Mach that she did on the streets of Enbarr, she hasn't yet processed that and likely never will.

Instead, she sweeps into Nikolette's room, taking just a second to note its set up, the few personal items, any books or equipment or weapons. It is quiet here, though, and Dorothea sighs just a little with relief. Her throat is aching and there's a headache pounding in her temples and even though her livelihood doesn't depend on her voice anymore, the anxiety of sickness is something that might always live in her. So it's nice to find a little respite from Ferdinand at her door and Caspar's latest louder-than-life training regiment and poor Bernie's Hubert-induced panic attack.

❝ Did you get a chance to review this week's lesson yet, by the way ? If you'd prefer to keep to ourselves I don't mind, but I'm going to brush up on the last chapter if you want to join. ❞

[dcviated]

@nobleburn replied to your post “Raguna has appeared! What to do? Yell at Awkward...”:

Yell at. He's done SOMETHING wrong, she can feel it.

"I... I just picked up the sword?! I haven't even started working on it yet. Why are you already yelling?" This is going to be the worst commission he's ever worked on, isn't it-

[dcviated]

In her mind, such attempts at sentimental conversation were meant as an... opening. An excuse for Nikolette as it was. In the past her dear friend was always so keen to flourish in the bright light that was her dear Lux. Eira had her disagreements with how some of their relationship went about, but she wanted to support what she believed to be something guiding for the other woman. Was that not connected with her endeavors and journeys? So then, why was Nikolette ...

...was she really avoiding talking about Lux, as Eira had suspected the other day?

The hand is released, mercifully, as Eira had her own fussing to deal with on her person. An itch to scratch, but there was that building one that would take more than a carefully tended nail to hit.

"Pardon me if I find that hard to believe. You won't be pulling any wool over my eyes. Because if it's anything like what I heard from your abjuration classes then you did far more damage to some than any spell might be able to ward. Perhaps your craft has been improved since then. As has so many other things about you, yes? Hmph." A small smile transfers her mood to something equally indulgent.

"Please, of course. I know what I'm worth. But I don't need so many reminders, even if they're welcome, so you can save your breath for your own tales and what have you. My mother simply left certain marks and so I do wonder about options in my future. You're someone I trust enough to air that laundry out with. And that is a strong compliment- and privilege. Understand?"

Did it go both ways? There was that doubt again as Eira turns to catch the other's gaze. What might she see in the other's eyes? Mutual agreement? Some lowering of guards? Or will she find more of that bluster.

There's less and less excuses to hand wave the issue- to be certain. And tapping of fingers against the table next to where they'd previously held- consider whether they wish to yield metal as well. Oh, but perhaps it's the nerves of being in flight? Eira could chance a look outside, but by this point in their journey they would be decently above the ground, but still below clouds. Fortunate that the capital land-mass was kind enough to have formed and remain below such precarious altitudes.

But was Eira?

Another series of tapping.

"Nikolette..." The use of the full name may very well betray her probing, and indecision on her tongue is poorly suited for such confident visage and powerful mien. "Ah-- nevermind."

Right. This would be the first trip she wouldn't get to witness the binding crystal apparatuses wouldn't it? A shame.

Faux shock burst onto Nikolette's face as she drew back, scandalized. "Reckless? Oh, Eira, you misunderstand me entirely! I'm nothing of the sort!" Oh no, recklessness would imply that she was toddling about without any concern for her own safety, or entirely unaware of the danger she was putting herself in. No, Nikolette von Brandt had a healthy awareness of her own mortality (indeed, if she were more reckless, this whole flying business would be rather more tolerable), and a keen appreciation for danger. "It would be reckless to find myself wandering without an idea of where my destinations were, or to rush after danger with not a thought spared for how I'd deal with it."

A click of her tongue seemed to punctuate the sentiment as she sat back, trying to cross her arms across her chest, only to realize that her hand was trapped in Eira's for the moment being. Well, fine enough, she thought. No sense letting go if it was that important to her dear friend that they stay close. "No no no, I'm exceptionally handy with a blade, capable enough when it comes to all manner of magic, and in excellent physical condition! If anything, fiends, the risen dead, and all manner of savage beasts and wicked monsters are the reckless ones, picking a fight rather than throwing themselves at my feet!"

Exactly how much Eira was teasing her, Nikolette wasn't sure, but the answer was surely 'more than zero.' "Must you call them that?" With her hand not trapped in her friend's grasp, she tossed her golden hair. "To call them fans is so trivial and common, don't you think?" Exactly what word was more fitting when it came to the admirers of a hero, she couldn't say, but certainly something a little more grandiose than that. "And besides, I'm engaged. I'll never turn down wide-eyed admiration, or fawning flirtation, naturally, but neither am I seeking it." Well, not really. It did feel rather good to be praised and recognized for all her excellent traits, but anyone would agree as such.

It was rather unlike Eira, in Nikolette's estimation, to be so fixated on the topic. Indeed, they'd spoken of it earlier, and briefly during their trip, but Eira always came across as the more austere type, unconcerned with forcing any type of romance. Was she more sensitive about the subject than she let on? Oh, if only she would share those sorts of potential insecurities with her darling friend, Nikolette thought, she'd drop any and all things to remind the other woman exactly how wonderful she was! It was an affront to all things good and just for such an exceptional woman in all aspects to have any doubts at all.

With a clearing of her throat, she waved off Eira's words. "I'm hardly slaying hearts. It's all skin-deep anyway, after all, as I rarely stay somewhere too long. So many acts of heroism to perform, and all so spread out." Sitting beside her friend, Nikolette took her other hand in her own glove again, offering another wide and shining smile. "Take it from a woman who is rather far too much for most men to handle, Eira, you really should have more confidence about this sort of thing! You have so many wonderful traits, and while men should, in fact, be intimidated by you, any man whose response to that sense is to flee from your side is no man worth your time."

[endlesscacophony]

@nobleburn || [ ♥ ]

"Well, if it isn't my favorite beautiful flower!" Sylvain was all candied words and practiced smiles as he made his way over to the other, arms swooping up to cradle the back of his head, tilting to glance down at her.

"How are you doing on this fine day, my lady?"

[cinderellatype-a]

Plots Please!

MONASTERY ASSIGNED KEEPER. when the blue lions receive a new face in the soft voiced darkflyer, nikolette is asked by the leader of the class and the professor to help andromeda acclimate to the unique . . . personalities of the blue lions, and keep the unsettling secret of andromeda bearing two crests, especially the fact that they bare the major crest of the holy kingdom’s royal family.

BRAVADO AND FOOLISHNESS ARE SYNONYMS. in nikolette’s travels, she comes across the familiar face, the heir to a minor fontainian noble house- who had withdrawn from the public nearly 4 years ago under rather interesting and suspicious circumstances.

IRON THORNS OF THE GLASS ROSE. a spinoff of above- as an attempt to win her way into her father’s good graces, nikolette is sent to inazuma after the sakoku decree is removed, to meet with the largest improter/exporter company of the land of eternity, and face to face with the young lady of the family, who has also returned to her mother’s homeland to facilitate the meetings on behalf of their maternal aunt and uncle.

plots please! @nobleburn

[abrasife]

@nobleburn * ✶ ❪ plotted starter ❫

After a long morning of classes, it was definitely in his own interests to stop by the dining hall to grab a quick bite to eat. Today’s lecture seemed to be more intense than usual. Or, the cramping in his hand was what made him feel that way. He’d have to go back and jot down the notes back in his room. Well, even before he went to do that, he’d have to ask the professor for the lecture notes again. Having to do this at the end of every lesson now was starting to irritate him. 

Though, he hoped a decent meal could allow him to switch gears. Except, the dining hall was flooded with students with the exact same idea. Just great. Would he even be able to get a good break before the next session started? He sure hoped he could. All he could really do was finalize an order and stand in line, hoping that by the time he got to the front, his choice wouldn’t be sold out. When Keith finally made it to the front of the long line of students making orders, he had been intending to grab one of the savory meat dishes, but unfortunately for him, they had all gotten sold out by the time he had made it. 

The cafeteria staff had offered one of the dessert dishes to him instead, a small serving of a sweet berries and cream. As much as he didn’t want it, he couldn’t just refuse and cause a scene. Without a word, he had taken the compromise and made his way over to a vacant seat. And it just so happened the girl he happened to sit across from had also gotten the same pitiful dessert as he did.

How did anyone think this small dish would get them through their remaining classes? Casting a closer look over her, the redhead realized that he didn’t recognize her all that well. It was doubtful they were actually in the same class, otherwise he would’ve at least been able to pinpoint where he might have seen her. 

❝ Your dish got sold out too? ❞ he spoke up in an attempt to strike conversation. It seemed he wasn’t the only one the staff had given this poor excuse of a meal to.